The purpose of the review is to ensure that all New College students are on track in their programs—especially in the development of their depth study—and to provide all students with an opportunity to discuss their academic goals and interests with faculty members in their areas of study.
Procedures:
- Students schedule their Third Year Review after they have completed 60 hours, and before they have reached 90 hours (in other words, during their junior year). For students admitted to New College with more than 80 hours, the review should normally happen at the end of the first term in New College. Students must have completed the Third Year Review before they will be allowed to enroll in New 495: Capstone Seminar and Senior Project.
- At a minimum, the Third Year Review should consist of the student, the student’s advisor, and one other faculty member or outside expert in the area of the student’s depth study. As needed, advisors will help students to identify prospective outside faculty members or experts.
- It is the responsibility of the student to initiate and schedule the Third Year Review meeting. Third year reviews will usually be held in the New College advisor’s office. The review will generally last 45 minutes.
- For the review, students write a 1-2 page essay (typed, double-spaced) on how their plan for their depth study has developed since their admittance to New College (where they have been, where they are now, where they are going). In order to do so, it may be useful to re-visit the self-statement students wrote for their application to New College (this can be obtained from Lori Pittman if students do not still have a copy). Along with this essay, the student will fill out the Third Year Review Form and provide committee members with a copy. As needed, advisors will help students identify a working title for their depth study and help them compile a list of all the courses and independent study hours that apply toward this depth study.
- The student is expected to distribute the essay and Third Year Review Form to all members of their review committee one week before the review date. It is recommended that students provide these documents to outside faculty members and experts at the time that they ask them to participate in the Third Year Review.
- During the Third Year Review, participants discuss the student’s depth study, and recommend additional classes or experiences (internships, independent study, etc.) necessary to complete a depth study in this area. Other possible outcomes of the review include renaming the depth study or reorienting it in a different direction.
- The rest of the Third Year Review Form is filled out and signed at the completion of the review. The student receives one copy and the original becomes part of the student’s permanent file.
